We hear from State House and Senate leaders about their priorities for 2018. Among them: Medicaid expansion, voting rules, water contamination, and school choice.
GUESTS:
- Senator Chuck Morse, Senate President
- Senator Jeff Woodburn, Minority Leader
- Representative Gene Chandler, Speaker of the House
- Representative Steve Shurtleff, House Minority Leader
Major Issues:
Medicaid Expansion:
HB 1806 changes the notification deadline if federal funding for Medicaid falls below a certain level.
HB 1811 extends New Hampshire's expanded Medicaid program with work requirement specifications.
HB 1813 deals with a federal waiver for expanded Medicaid coverage.
"Medicaid Expansion Study Panel Recommends Shift to Managed Care," from NHPR.
Paid Family Leave
HB 628 establishes a new system of paid family and medical leave insurance.
"New Hampshire family leave plan praised at forum in Bow," from NHBR.
"Paid family, medical leave gains bipartisan momentum in Concord," from WMUR.
Voter Registration and Domicile
HB 372 deals with the definitions of the terms "resident," "inhabitant," and "residency."
SB 439 repeals the authority to share voter information with other states through the Interstate Voter Registration Crosscheck Program.
HB 1770 is related to absentee voters providing proof of domicile.
HB 1264 redefines "resident" and "inhabitant."
HB 1510 changes requirements for information provided to voters with out-of-state licenses as identification.
HB 1772 requires an online portal for voter registration.
"Lawsuit Challenging N.H.'s Proof-of-Residence Voting Law Slated for Trial," by NHPR.
Water Contamination and Water Safety
SB 330 allows 30 days to improve pollution before a fine.
HB 1714 requires fish in waterways to be tested for PFCs and mercury.
HB 1799 is related to payment for blood testing for PFCs.
(There are several other bills related to water quality, and they may be found on the Citizens Count NH page related to this topic.)
"Portsmouth Officials: After Filter Installation, Tests Show Lower PFC Levels At Pease," by NHPR.
School Choice and Education Savings Accounts
SB 193 establishes educations freedom savings accounts.
"School choice bill clears key committee in 10-9 vote," by The Union Leader.
Opioid Crisis and Addiction Treatment
HB 1711 would require worker's compensation to cover addiction treatment if an employee gets addicted to pain management drugs following a work injury.
HB 1574 requires healthcare provider and patient to sign a form indicating they are aware of addictive properties of certain prescription medications before they are prescribed.
SB 486 establishes a study for the drug donation and recycling program.
(See other opioid-related bills at the page related to the topic on Citizens Count NH's website.)
"Senate Democrats Eye Rainy Day Fund for Opioid Crisis," from NHPR.
Further Topics of Discussion:
Department of Transportation Ten Year Plan, which is updated every two years.
"N.H. Judges could Soon Serve Longer on the Bench," from NHPR.
"A Renewed Push To Raise New Hampshire's Marriage Age," from NHPR.
"UNH Research Finds N.H. Residents Support Gas Tax Increase for Highways and Bridges," from UNH.
